On 05/18/2022 Deputy Dakota Dowling conducted a traffic stop on a passenger car with an Ohio tag for an equipment violation. The vehicle was driven by, Joshua Imel. There were three additional passengers in the vehicle. After Deputy Cody Weaver responded as backup, Deputy Dowling developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search Deputy Dowling recovered drug paraphernalia, 18 grams of marijuana, 14 grams of MDMA and a large amount of Methamphetamine. Through his investigation, Deputy Dowling was able to determine that the illegal narcotics belonged to Imel and took him into custody.
Under Florida law, possession of 14 grams (one-half ounce) of methamphetamine constitutes "Trafficking Methamphetamine." In Florida, convictions for Trafficking crimes carry with them mandatory prison sentences and fines. In this case, Deputy Dowling seized 200 grams (more than seven ounces) of methamphetamine. A Florida conviction for this amount carries a mandatory 15 year prison sentence and a $250,000.00 fine. The makeup of the methamphetamine indicates that it was manufactured in Mexico and then smuggled into the country.
Imel (1-25-98) was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of MDMA, Possession of Drug Equipment, and Possession of Marijuana, less than 20 grams. His bond was set at $137,000 and he continues to be held at the Levy County Detention Center.